Assam Braces for Heavy Rainfall and Flooding: Red Alert Issued by India Meteorological Department

Assam, a northeastern state in India, is facing a severe weather crisis as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall until June 22. The state has been grappling with incessant rainfall, leading to flooding and significant damage to life and property. Lower Assam districts, such as Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Barpeta, and Bongaigaon, are expected to bear the brunt of the downpour, while several other districts are also at risk. Let us delve into the details of the situation and the impact on the affected regions.

The IMD has raised a red alert, indicating the risk of significant damage to life and property, for several districts of Assam. The lower Assam districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Barpeta, and Bongaigaon are expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall. Additionally, districts including Dhubri, Kamrup, Nalbari, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Goalpara, and Karimganj are likely to witness very heavy downpours, as per the weather department’s predictions.

Assam has been grappling with heavy rainfall across the state, leading to the inundation of numerous villages, towns, and farmlands. The floods have adversely affected more than 33,000 people across districts such as Cachar, Darrang, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, Hojai, Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Nalbari, Sonitpur, Tinsukia, and Udalguri. Lakhimpur is the worst-hit district, with 25,275 people affected. Dibrugarh and Tinsukia follow with over 3,857 and 2,666 affected individuals, respectively.

The floodwaters have also caused significant damage to infrastructure, with 2,600 houses being destroyed across nine districts. Shockingly, nearly 60,000 animals have been washed away in the floodwaters. Currently, 142 villages remain submerged in Assam, and approximately 1,510.98 hectares of crop areas have been damaged, according to the state weather agency.

In addition to Assam, neighboring state Sikkim has also been affected by heavy rainfall. Multiple landslides triggered by the incessant rains have damaged nearly 100 houses in West Sikkim district. Flash floods and mudslides in Gyalshing district’s Dentam and Lower Sapung have resulted in the sweeping away of bridges. Agricultural land and livestock have also been adversely affected by the landslides.

The IMD’s issuance of a red alert emphasizes the urgency of taking immediate action to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall. Authorities in Assam, including the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, are actively involved in relief and rescue operations. The focus is on ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected population and providing necessary support and aid.

The IMD has also issued an orange warning for Tuesday and a yellow warning for the subsequent two days, indicating the need for preparedness and vigilance in the face of anticipated rainfall.

Assam is facing a critical situation as heavy rainfall and flooding continue to wreak havoc in the state. The red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department highlights the severity of the weather conditions and the potential risks to life and property. Prompt response efforts and effective disaster management are crucial in ensuring the safety of the affected population and minimizing the impact of the ongoing crisis. Authorities and relief teams are working tirelessly to provide aid, support, and necessary resources to those affected by the floods. As the situation evolves, continued monitoring and preparedness remain essential to navigate through this challenging period in Assam’s weather landscape.